Anganuzzi, Clara. Ocean Gardener, The. Clara Anganuzzi, Illus. Tiger Tales, 02/2024.
[32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6643-0027-9. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH
ADDITIONAL.
Amidst the vibrant reefs of the Seychelle Islands, Ayla and her mother develop both a sense of place and a sense of urgency when that place is threatened. Alarmed at the sudden bleaching of their familiar thriving coral reef, together they take action to bring it back to life. Full-bleed sweeping watercolor illustrations portray the thriving ocean ecosystem followed by its swift deterioration due to rising ocean temperatures. The dedicated mother and daughter, both brown-skinned, learn to create coral nurseries to help restore the reefs, based on the work of marine biologist Chloé Pozas detailed in the afterword. Ayla shows young readers how creativity and commitment can create hope and change.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library